South Korea Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
282 m (925 ft) |
| Highest point |
Hallasan: 1,947 m (6,388 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Sea of Japan: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range |
1,947 m (6,388 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Daejeon: 50 m (164 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Busan: 7 m (23 ft) |
South Korea is a mountainous country located in East Asia. The country's topography mainly consists of forests, valleys, hills, and plateaus.
Around 70% of the country is covered with mountains, with the Taebaek Mountains forming the eastern spine and the Honam Plain filling the southwest. The country's highest point, Hallasan on Jeju Island, rises to 1,947 meters.
The mountains in South Korea are composed of a variety of rock types, including granite, gneiss, and limestone.
The mountains in South Korea are not only known for their elevation but also for their magnificent beauty, and they are popular tourist destinations for both locals and foreigners.
Highest Point in South Korea
The highest point in South Korea is Hallasan, a dormant volcano on Jeju Island, at 1,947 meters (6,388 feet) above sea level.
Lowest Point in South Korea
The lowest point in South Korea is the Sea of Japan, which has an elevation of 0 meters.
Countries with Similar Topography to South Korea
South Korea's elevation map is quite similar to that of Japan, which is also a mountainous country located in the same region. However, South Korea has fewer volcanoes than Japan.
Highest-Elevation Cities in South Korea
Of the 10 cities listed below, Daejeon is the highest at 50 m (164 ft) above sea level, and Busan is the lowest at 7 m (23 ft).
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Daejeon |
50 m |
164 ft |
| Gwangju |
44 m |
144 ft |
| Seoul |
38 m |
125 ft |
| Seongnam |
37 m |
121 ft |
| Daegu |
35 m |
115 ft |
| Suwon |
27 m |
89 ft |
| Ulsan |
20 m |
66 ft |
| Incheon |
13 m |
43 ft |
| Changwon |
8 m |
26 ft |
| Busan |
7 m |
23 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in South Korea?
The highest point in South Korea is Hallasan, at 1,947 m (6,388 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in South Korea?
The lowest point in South Korea is Sea of Japan, at 0 m (0 ft).
What is the average elevation of South Korea?
The average elevation of South Korea is 282 m (925 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in South Korea?
Of the cities listed for South Korea, Daejeon is the highest, at 50 m (164 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in South Korea?
Of the cities listed for South Korea, Busan is the lowest, at 7 m (23 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in South Korea?
Elevation in South Korea ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Sea of Japan to 1,947 m (6,388 ft) at Hallasan, a difference of 1,947 m (6,388 ft).